From time to time, your HVAC system may need to be cleaned or undergo minor maintenance issues. While keeping your HVAC system running properly in your Beaumont, Texas, home is crucial to maintaining optimal comfort, it is important to know which cleaning and maintenance tasks are safe to handle yourself and which ones you should leave for the pros to tackle.
Tasks That Are DIY Friendly
There are a few simple tasks you can perform on your own as long as you exercise caution. Some cleaning tasks you can perform on your own include:
- Cleaning and changing your filter. No matter what type of HVAC system you use to maintain the comfort of your home, it will require a filter. Keeping your filters cleaned and changed when necessary is critical to HVAC efficiency and also to maintaining the IAQ of your home. When changing or cleaning your filter, always make sure you choose the right size and follow the manufacturer’s instruction.
- Checking your thermostat. If your thermostat does not seem to be working toward keeping your home at a consistent temperature, it could require a simple fix to get it back up and running. If it is a digital thermostat, check to make sure the battery doesn’t need to be replaced. If it’s hardwired, check for a blown fuse or circuit breaker. After addressing the power, try resetting the thermostat per the manufacturer’s instruction. If these do not fix the problem, it may be time for a new model.
- Doing regular vent cleanings. Regular cleaning of your vents, registers, and intakes can greatly reduce the amount of dust and debris that gets back into your HVAC system. It also prevents it from damaging the quality of your indoor air.
Tasks to Leave to the Pros
While there are many tasks to stay on top of to keep your HVAC system clean, there are some necessary cleaning tasks you should definitely leave to the pros.
- Duct cleaning. HVAC technicians are properly equipped not only to clear all your ductwork of dirt and debris but also to seal it properly when they are done. Trying to perform this task yourself can result in a major mess, poor results, and even damage to the ductwork.
- Cleaning and lubricating the blower. Some models of furnaces will contain a blower that helps your system provide you with efficient heating all through the winter. Certain models have easy-to-disassemble motors that can be taken apart, cleaned, and lubricated. This always be completed by your HVAC technician.
- Routine maintenance. During scheduled annual or biannual maintenance, your HVAC technician will thoroughly clean and lubricate all the parts of your HVAC system, allowing it to run as efficiently as possible and reduce the needs for repair or a possible breakdown.
Why Should Certain Tasks Be Left to the Pros?
Now that you know which tasks are best left to the HVAC pros, you may be wondering why it is best to allow professionals to handle these tasks.
Contamination
Many HVAC jobs may seem fairly straightforward, such as cleaning out ductwork; however, the debris built up in your ductwork can hold many contaminants, which, if simply blown out into your air supply, can damage your indoor air quality. An HVAC technician will know how to reduce the amount of contaminants released during the job and contain and dispose of them properly.
Fragile Parts
Your HVAC system contains many small and delicate parts that will need to be cleaned. A technician has the experience and know-how to disassemble, clean, and replace these parts properly without ruining them or causing further damage to the system.
While you can perform some HVAC maintenance and cleaning duties by yourself, some are best left to the professionals. If you are in need of HVAC cleaning or repairs, contact Thermacon Service Company, Inc. at 866-797-1535 today to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals.
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